Is there room to increase rents? 

This will allow you to study the market and understand what homes sell for in your area.People may potentially not want to recommend their realtor(especially if they are good) because they may think it is increasing their competition in the area. 

Learned that unless you make justify an increase in price, the additional just isn’t worth it.

However, I do see that contractors could get sick of this if they saw no increased business and I had them bid a job a week. 

@Chris Mason - how has the rate increase effected business? 

My thoughts would be just fixing it up will increase the value.

My LLC is registered via a 3rd party and my name is not anywhere on the articles of incorporation (as I am trying to keep some privacy but also have that wall between tenants).With this being said, after you transfer your LLCs from your personal name to an LLC, I understand you cannot change the terms of the existing tenants lease, however, is there some sort of short and simple communication I can give the tenants letting them know that the home has transferred ownership and that their lease agreement held up and house under XYZ LLC? 

Landscaping can definitely increase ARV, but may make more of a difference when it comes to first impressions of a buyer/renter. 

If an investor isn't game for research, due dil and some increased time/effort, then a self-directed IRA may not be a good fit. 

There is a 6 month seasoning period after the initial purchase to do a cash out on the increased value post rehab.